School Picture Day Clothing Guide for Middle Schoolers

Back to school time brings a host of shopping and fashion dilemmas. From what to wear on the first day to what backpack to carry around through the entire school year, it becomes a time of both preparation and anticipation. School picture day usually rolls around within the first few weeks of the school semester and middle schoolers typically choose their own clothing unlike in elementary school when mom often made the choice for them. By the time children enter middle school, they have their own sense of individual style, but still need to adhere to some simple fashion rules to make sure school pictures turn out right.

Color Selections
While some school pictures feature the entire body, they are typically from the waist or shoulders up, so what you wear on top is much more important than what you wear on bottom. Make sure your color selection matches your skin tone or your face can look washed out in pictures. Photography lights are much stronger than the standard light bulb or even sunlight at times. If you have a light skin tone and choose a light-colored top, then your face can look extremely pale in the photo. Consider your backdrop choice when picking out your color. If you choose print backdrop, make sure you wear a solid-colored top. In general, solid tops work best with school pictures, as print tops offer a busy look and detract from your face. Choose solid colors like blue, purple, red, or green for school pictures. These colors are not hard for middle schoolers to find and the bright choices complement that sense of carefree style.


Style Selections
Girls are lucky to have more style selections than boys, who usually choose from collared Polo-style shirts, collared button down tops, crew neck pullovers solid tees, or crew neck or V-neck sweaters. Girls can choose the same styles, but a bit of bling on the shoulders or ruffles by the neckline add a more feminine look. Girls can also choose to wear a dress. While the bottom of the dress may not show in the picture, dresses offer more selections than standard tops. Choose a sundress paired with a knit cardigan, but make sure the colors match each other, as well as your chosen backdrop. Girls also have their pick of tank-style tops to wear that work well for pictures. Make sure not to wear spaghetti strap if against school dress code, but also because thin straps do not usually show up well in photos. A form-fitting button down blouse or solid tee shirt also works for school pics, as do silk blouses with or without collars.


Long Sleeve or Short Sleeve
The weather may help decide the dilemma of long sleeve vs. short sleeve. If you experience Indian summer, a short sleeve top may be your best bet, as you do not want to sweat it out throughout the day in a heavy long sleeve sweater. However, you can choose a sweater with short sleeves and a light knit material. If you prefer short sleeve in a picture, but experience cooler weather in late summer or early fall, pair that short sleeve top with a cardigan during the school day and take it off when that photo session arrives.


Accessorize
While it is fine to accessorize, do not overdo it. A simple gold or silver chain with not a lot of bling works just fine. Too much bling and the jewelry piece clashes with the harsh lights, creating a washed out look in the photo. Earrings are also fine, but make sure they remain simple rather than large, dangly, and overstated.